Style File: Bra-vo!

Petticoat Fair celebrates 50 years of undergarment expertise

By Madeline Hollern

Published: April 1, 2014

When I read that up to 90 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size, I had the sneaking suspicion that I was one of them. So when Petticoat Fair—which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year—invited me in for my first-ever bra fitting, I jumped at the opportunity. The family-owned company specializes in intimate apparel and does custom fittings for women. After seeing the difference the right size can make, I will never buy another bra on my own again. Here, manager and fitting specialist Krissi Riewe discusses bra misconceptions, maintenance and why size really does matter.

Like most women, I have been wearing the wrong bra size. Why do so many of us get it wrong?
I think it’s a mixture of things. Having the right sizes available, finding them and also knowing what style to put on your body. Everybody is so unique. Six years ago, I walked in here, and I didn’t wear the right size.

Is it common for sizes to change over the years?
Most definitely. Each time a woman comes into the store, we re-evaluate her size to make sure that it hasn’t changed. Not only do our sizes change, but our shapes change. Also, not all bras are created equal. The same size is going to fit differently with two different brands.

Are the fittings expensive?
Part of the process when you purchase a bra here is that we keep our bras in the back stockroom, so you have to work with fitters. There’s no charge for it. We want you to have the right size.

What do you recommend for washing your delicates?
Hand-washing is always the best. If you need to put them in the washing machine, use a mesh bag, a gentle cycle and a gentle detergent. We carry both Eucalan and Forever New. Make sure you always hang them to dry. The best way to kill a bra is to put it in the dryer or use fabric softener.

Why is it so complicated to buy a bra on your own?
It’s a little bit more of an art than just a science. Even the fitters, when we’re trying on something new, we help fit each other. I can’t adjust a bra on myself; I can’t see how the back is fitting. You can’t give yourself a very good haircut easily. It’s the same kind of thing.